PORTSMOUTH’S future stars of the music industry will be able to get a leg up thanks to a new partnership.

Portsmouth Guildhall has announced that Victorious Festival has come on board as a major partner supporting the development of the new Guildhall Studio space and its Emerging Creatives programme to nurture developing bands and artists throughout the region.

Computer generated images of the Portsmouth Cultural Trust's plans for the Guildhall as part of its Renaissance scheme. Pictures by Hemingway Design

In a partnership that will span the next three years, Victorious Festival has contributed £30,000 to complete the transformation of the 170-seat-studio that will enable the Guildhall team to put on a wider variety of musical genres and the ability to stage children’s theatre, drama, comedy and contemporary dance.

Chief Executive Officer of Portsmouth Guildhall, Andy Grays said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Victorious Festival as the lead partner and their knowledge and experience of developing emerging talent will be of huge benefit to the new Studio and the talented people we are looking to support.

‘The continued support of donors, big and small, is vital to the impact we can have in transforming people’s lives and the cultural scene in Portsmouth.’

The performance space, that will have a standing capacity of 200 people, is also hoped to become a cultural hub for the community offering a range of courses, workshops and activity sessions.

Computer generated images of the Portsmouth Cultural Trust's plans for the Guildhall as part of its Renaissance scheme. Pictures by Hemingway Design

James Ralls from the seaside festival said: ‘We’re thrilled to support the new Guildhall Studio.

‘Supporting emerging talent and musical diversity in Portsmouth is really important to us and we’re very pleased to be part of it.’

It is all part of the Guildhall’s £15m Renaissance Development Project to improve the building and will ensure that it can continue to thrive for decades to come.

The £130,000 studio was the first phase of the restoration project.

Computer generated images of the Portsmouth Cultural Trust's plans for the Guildhall as part of its Renaissance scheme. Pictures by Hemingway Design

James added: ‘When I went and met the team behind the studio and heard the ambitious plans they have for programming the space I knew right away it was something that we should definitely help support.’

A free open day is being held in the new Studio on Sunday, October 21 from 11am until 3pm offering people the chance to go inside and explore the new facility, find out more about the new programme on offer and enjoy live music, performances and children’s craft and workshops.